Oh, let's face it – social media has become an inseparable part of our lives, and Instagram, with its massive user base, is like the ultimate playground for recognition and influence. Now, I might not be the next big thing, and flashing that badge won't turn me into a digital superstar, but somehow, deep down, I knew getting that verification badge would mean something to me. It's like a little virtual pat on the back, saying, "Hey, you're doing something right!" Besides, I'm all about strengthening my online presence, especially now that I'm rekindling my passion for blogging. So, with a dash of determination and a sprinkle of audacity, I set out on a quest to obtain that coveted badge.
First Attempt: July 8, 2023
With stars in my eyes and articles in hand, I made my first move. I submitted links to three opinion pieces that I wrote for top-notch Philippine news websites, confident they'd make Instagram's heart skip a beat. But, oh, the plot twist! The platform cheekily informed me that my "personal photo ID" (aka the ugly duckling ePhilID) wasn't quite what they were after:
Second Attempt: July 16, 2023
On my second attempt, I hatched a brilliant plan! Linking my latest opinion piece published on Inquirer.net – an article that unabashedly name-dropped my Instagram handle – was the ace up my sleeve. To top it off, I even shared my trusty Globe postpaid bill, just to prove I was a responsible social media citizen. Despite my efforts to bolster my request, I encountered yet another rejection, with the same reason cited as before.
Third Attempt: July 20, 2023
Refusing to give up, I decided to take a different approach for my third attempt. When Rappler published a think piece that I co-authored with my boyfriend, Christopher, and mentioned my Instagram handle, I saw another opportunity. This time, I submitted a total of five articles with my byline, two of which explicitly mentioned my Instagram username. To fulfill the "Document type" requirement, I opted to submit my postal ID. And there it was, like magic! On the same day, Instagram granted my wish, bestowing that glorious blue badge upon my account, as if to say, "You've outwitted us, fair and square!"
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